Best Radio for Talking with Others in ORV Areas

[BlueScapegoat]

Why not just program the frequencies and codes for GMRS into the HAM and only carry 1 radio?

Brilliant, shows how much I know about them.

So a ham license should cover the GMRS band then. Now I have some reading to do.

::edit::

Again correct me if I'm wrong, I'm really rusty on all this stuff and was never an avid enthusiast, but ham technician license allows me to operate from 420-450 and the GMRS band is 462.56-467.72.

The FTM400XD I was looking at, for instance, can receive on the GMRS band but can not transmit. Or is that simply in the marketing for legality sake? If I buy a FTM400XD could I tune in to, and transmit, on the GMRS band?

It seems a contentious subject but the FCC also makes it fairly clear that the GMRS band requires a GMRS license. It's outside the ham band. Which is all fine and dandy, I'm just wondering if the radio is capable.

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[BlueScapegoat]

So the more I read about it, seems like to operate in the GMRS band legally, not only do you need a GMRS license, but you need to be using an FCC approved GMRS radio.

The GMRS band is outside the ham bands. Ham radios sold for the US market may be able to receive on the GMRS band but they will be locked out from transmitting on the band. You might be able to modify the radio to operate on that band, illegally, if you so chose.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

You are most likely correct. I think on one or the other (HAM vs GMRS) you can program the frequencies to listen only (I forget which way though) and to transmit you need a modification to the hardware.

 

[sarguy1941]

Correct. You can put GMRS on receive only in the FTM. GMRS is not type accepted for use in ham radios. You also need a FCC license for a mobile radio (over 5 watts)

 

[Sprinkler-Fitter]

I like my GMRS. I can chat with @FR33DOM from 10 miles away. Most Jeep Jamborees are requiring GMRS. Yes you need a license, but it's $35 for 10 years.
I have mine mounted in cab and may pick up a few handhelds for spotting etc.
It's great for rounding up people when they come in from all over for a trip. Agree to a channel before. Then people can pick each other up and coordinate. Also great for wheeling in a group.
People chat on them and issue alerts to incoming traffic, bikes, hikers, horses....etc....
I went on my first off road trip in a group. Borrowed a handheld and then bought a GMRS that night.
It was one of my first mods.

So can a licensed ham radio operator use GMRS without buying another license?

 

[GtownJeep]

Look at a Dakota MURS...

 

[Wageslave]

While I am firmly in the GMRS/FRS camp for trail comms, I am a bit curious how CB would compare now that FM modulation is allowed.

 

[sarguy1941]

So can a licensed ham radio operator use GMRS without buying another license?

No.
Different services.
Different Licenses.

 

[OngsterA]

I like my GMRS. I can chat with @FR33DOM from 10 miles away. Most Jeep Jamborees are requiring GMRS. Yes you need a license, but it's $35 for 10 years.
I have mine mounted in cab and may pick up a few handhelds for spotting etc.
It's great for rounding up people when they come in from all over for a trip. Agree to a channel before. Then people can pick each other up and coordinate. Also great for wheeling in a group.
People chat on them and issue alerts to incoming traffic, bikes, hikers, horses....etc....
I went on my first off road trip in a group. Borrowed a handheld and then bought a GMRS that night.
It was one of my first mods.

Hey Mike, what unit are you using? I'm looking at options, reliable units, we have lots of off-cell areas here, i.e. mountains. Thanks for any inputs. It looks like most wheeling in my areas are on to GMRS, period.

 

[Timoleon]

Someone can correct me too, but I thought GMRS was just the opposite and had massive range depending not the power of the radio itself?

The problem with GMRS/FRS is they are pretty much line of sight. If you can see it you should be able to talk to it (provided you are on the same channel). Now, that doesn't mean if you can see someone across the valley 20 miles away you should be able to talk to them. There are limits to the power coming out of the radio and the ability to receive the signals (antenna configuration).

Based on the rule of line of sight, if there are obstacles between you, the signal available to the receiving station can be limited. I encourage you all to experiment with radios when you can. Find the combination that works best for you.

One other thing, and it is a minor thing. When you use the radios, orient the antenna to a vertical (on both sides talk and listen) position while using it to talk and listen. It's a minor thing but it helps.

 

[sharpsicle]

Baofeng uv-5r is a great radio its a cb a scanner plus a radio I got the 2 pack on Amazon for the wife and I and they work pretty good but like anything do you own research

I have this unit, and feel the need to get some corrections out there:

1. This will not work for CB. This is an FM radio, CB is done on AM.
2. This is a HAM radio. Requires a HAM license to legally operate on its frequencies.
3. New UV-5Rs are hard-locked out of transmitting on any GMRS wavelengths due to compliance issues. You can receive only. Old models didn't have this lock in place, that changed about a year ago.

In short, unless you're using them for HAM communications, the UV-5R is not a good choice anymore.

 

[misplacetexan]

I have this unit, and feel the need to get some corrections out there:

1. This will not work for CB. This is an FM radio, CB is done on AM.
2. This is a HAM radio. Requires a HAM license to legally operate on its frequencies.
3. New UV-5Rs are hard-locked out of transmitting on any GMRS wavelengths due to compliance issues. You can receive only. Old models didn't have this lock in place, that changed about a year ago.

In short, unless you're using them for HAM communications, the UV-5R is not a good choice anymore.

Google is your friend, if you really want to unlock your Baofeng UV-5R. Good luck

 

[Blade1668]

You in the HAM crowd? I thought you had said something about HAM. To much stuff I've been doing n thinking about lately.
I've been scanning around here and haven't heard much on GMRS yet. That's to include near my place in N. Forrest areas. I might instal one of my old C.B. in my JT just in case. Heck I had even removed one from my LJ it had been used so little in so long.
Later I'll try to give you a text or call.

 

[misplacetexan]

You in the HAM crowd? I thought you had said something about HAM. To much stuff I've been doing n thinking about lately.
I've been scanning around here and haven't heard much on GMRS yet. That's to include near my place in N. Forrest areas. I might instal one of my old C.B. in my JT just in case. Heck I had even removed one from my LJ it had been used so little in so long.
Later I'll try to give you a text or call.

Yes, I have a Ham license and just ordered a GMRS radio.

 

[Blade1668]

Yes, I have a Ham license and just ordered a GMRS radio.

As you know HAM vs GMRS and are separate FCC license, kinda funny I remember reading or hearing that at one time FCC had license requirements or something for C.B.
So your not a "Sad HAM" are you.
I was in your neck of TX last weekend.

I kinda dropped off part of that response, on the text / call part to a member local to me.

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